Just as the technological transformation within the Hongxing Factory was in full swing, a letter bearing foreign stamps and an international postmark was delivered to the Provincial Mechanical Design Institute where Fu Jingchen worked after several transfers, and finally ended up in his hands.

The envelope was made of crisp kraft paper, with the address and sender's information printed in English—the editorial office of a well-known international journal of mechanical dynamics. Fu Jingchen opened it with some skepticism; inside were several beautifully printed pages of letter and a reprint of a paper.

The letter, written personally by the journal's editor-in-chief, was polite and formal. In essence, they noted the paper on "Online Dynamic Balancing Technology" co-authored by Fu Jingchen, Liu Li, and Zhou Wei in the *Journal of Mechanical Engineering* (already indexed by relevant international abstracts), and expressed strong interest in its technical approaches, particularly the "control strategy based on fuzzy logic to address system uncertainties" and the "simple sensor implementation scheme under finite conditions." They believed this research offered a new perspective on solving common problems in rotating machinery and had potential international application value. At the end of the letter, the editor-in-chief raised several in-depth technical questions and inquired about the possibility of obtaining more detailed technical information or considering publishing the research findings in English in their journal.

Enclosed with the letter was a reprint of their paper.

Holding the letter that had traveled across the ocean, Fu Jingchen was somewhat excited. He immediately asked for leave and rode his bicycle straight to the Red Star Factory.

Liu Li was checking a list of newly arrived modified parts in the technical department when she saw Fu Jingchen rushing in, sweat on his forehead. She was a little surprised: "Why are you here at this hour? What happened?"

Fu Jingchen didn't say anything, but handed over the letter and a reprint of the thesis.

Liu Li took the letter and, seeing the unfamiliar foreign language and beautifully printed paper, was momentarily taken aback. Fu Jingchen pointed to the sender and the contents of the letter and gave a brief explanation.

"...A foreign journal? An editor-in-chief? Interested in our paper?" Liu Li carefully read through the letter, her eyes widening as disbelief filled her face. She repeatedly looked at the pages of foreign language letter, then touched the reprinted paper, which felt completely different from the original, and a strange feeling welled up inside her.

She recalled when she first joined the factory, learning from Master Wang the technology of old Soviet-style equipment; she recalled how, in the project team, they had to use makeshift methods to wind coils themselves for a micro sensor that was blocked from operation; she recalled the debates and doubts... And now, the little thing they had figured out on their own had actually been seen by foreign experts and had even received formal attention and inquiries?

"Is...is this true?" She looked up at Fu Jingchen, her voice trembling with uncertainty.

"It's all in black and white, and there's this reprinted copy, so of course it's real!" Fu Jingchen nodded vigorously, his face beaming with barely suppressed excitement. "Liu Li, this shows that our work has not only gained recognition domestically, but has also begun to attract the attention of our international counterparts! Our technological approach is ahead of its time!"

The news quickly spread within the technical department and a small circle, causing quite a stir.

"Incredible! Engineer Liu, your papers have even been submitted overseas!"

"Foreigners are coming to ask for advice? This really makes us Chinese proud!"

"It seems our 'traditional method' has actually yielded some results!"

Amidst her excitement and pride, Liu Li held the letter, but also fell into deeper thought. The attention from foreign experts was like a window suddenly opened, allowing her to see a wider world and a clearer picture of the gap.

They were focusing on the theoretical value of "fuzzy logic in dealing with uncertainty" and the inspirational nature of their technical approach. This made her realize that her own practices and achievements could also be examined and discussed within a more macro-level and cutting-edge academic framework. At the same time, their request for more detailed information also put pressure on her—could their technology withstand more rigorous international scrutiny? What shortcomings did it have compared to international advanced levels?

This recognition and scrutiny from different external dimensions brings a wonderful mix of feelings: the joy of having one's achievements affirmed and a sense of national pride, as well as a sobering sense of urgency in the face of a broader stage and higher standards.

“Jingchen,” she put away the letter, her gaze becoming firm and profound, “we still have a long way to go.”